Man Arrested Over Ski Trip Fraud

A 70 year old man has been arrested and bailed as part of a five month fraud investigation affecting loads of schools - including 2 in Dorset.

Earlier this year, pupils at The Purbeck School in Wareham and Ferndown Upper School had their ski trips cancelled at the last minute over fears the company organising them - Skiing Europe - hadn't booked any accomodation.

In March 2011 police began a fraud investigation after receiving allegation's of fraud about Skiing Europe, which is a travel company based in East Devon.

As part of this ongoing investigation Devon & Cornwall Police's Economic Crime Unit carried out a search at a property near Colyton. Officers from the force's High Tech Crime Unit and Trading Standards were involved.

Officers then arrested a 70 year old man from Colyton under the Fraud Act. He's now been released on Police bail until 19 January 2012.

DC Martin Battershill said:

"This is a complex investigation involving assistance from forces around the country as well as other agencies. We are working to ascertain whether criminal offences have been committed in the running of Skiing Europe."